Andre Ayew dropped from Black Stars squad for upcoming World Cup Qualifiers
29th May 2024
Black Stars captain Andre Ayew has been omitted from the latest squad announced by coach Otto Addo on Wednesday morning for Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
The decision to exclude the Le Havre forward, who has been in excellent form in the French Ligue 1, signals a significant shift as the team prepares for these crucial matches.
Ayew, a seasoned player with 114 caps and a record eight Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments to his name, was personally informed by Coach Otto Addo about the reasons for his exclusion prior to the squad announcement.
This move marks a potential end of an era for the experienced campaigner, as Addo opts for a more youthful lineup to strengthen Ghana's bid for a fifth World Cup appearance.
Despite Ayew's commendable performance this season—scoring five goals in 19 appearances and helping Le Havre avoid relegation—Addo has decided to invest in younger talent for the upcoming qualifiers.
The Black Stars will first face Mali on June 6, 2024, at Bamako's Stade 26 Mars, followed by a home game against the Central African Republic on June 10, 2024, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
As the Black Stars prepare for these pivotal matches, Ayew's absence marks a notable change in the team's dynamics, focusing on the next generation of players to secure their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.